How to Get a Driver’s License in Georgia in 2026
Georgia residents can get a REAL ID driver’s license, although the exact requirements, rules, and costs depend on the specific type of license you need.
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Lindsay VanSomerenInsurance and Personal Finance Writer
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Former data scientist for U.S. Geological Survey
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Georgia Driver’s License Requirements at a Glance
Minimum age: 15 for learner’s permit, 16 or 17 for provisional license, and 18 for full license.
Required documents: One document showing proof of identity and two documents showing proof of residency. These must also show your residential address (not a P.O. Box) and that you’re a U.S. citizen or lawful resident.
Testing requirements: Must pass a vision exam. New drivers must pass a written test and a road test.
Estimated cost: $10 for a learner’s permit and provisional license. $32 for full license.
Timeline: 45 days to receive a permanent driver’s license after applying (you can print a temporary license until then).
Steps to get a driver’s license in Georgia
You can apply for a driver’s license in Georgia from the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS). Here’s a good strategy for figuring out exactly what you’ll need:[1] [2] [3]
Check eligibility and requirements. Georgia DDS sets different rules depending on whether you’re renewing, reinstating, transferring, or getting a brand-new driver’s license from scratch. Rules also vary depending on your age.
Submit a License/ID/Permit Form. If the DDS requires an in-person visit, you’ll need to submit a License/ID/Permit Form that’ll offer guidance on what to bring with you. This isn’t needed if you’re able to do everything online. You can’t visit an in-person location without this form.
Pay a fee. You’ll need to pay a licensing fee for most things, which typically ranges between $10 and $32, depending on what kind of license you need.
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What documents does Georgia require to get a driver’s license?
Georgia issues its current driver’s licenses as REAL IDs, meaning you’ll need to complete a few extra identity verification steps before you can get your license.[4] Here’s what that entails, according to the Georgia DDS:
Proof of identity (one document required): U.S. birth certificate, passport, certificate of citizenship, or certificate of naturalization
Proof of Georgia residency (two documents required): Utility bills, account statements, vehicle documents, employment forms, etc.
For drivers younger than 18 years old: Certificate of school enrollment or graduation, and a certificate of completion for driver education
How much does a Georgia driver’s license cost?
In most cases, the Georgia DDS charges a fee if you’re looking to apply for a driver’s license. Here’s a brief rundown of the fees:
Fee Type  | Cost |
|---|---|
| Permit fee | $10 |
| Provisional license fee | $10 |
| New license fee | $32 |
| Veteran and National Guard license fee | $0 |
| License renewal fee (online or mobile) | $27 |
| License renewal fee (in person or by mail) | $32 |
You may have to pay extra costs in some cases. For example, if you’re applying for a provisional license, you’ll need to pay for a driver education course, often around $250. You’ll also need access to an insured and registered vehicle to log training hours and take the road skills test.[5]
How to get a teen driver’s license in Georgia
Teen drivers in Georgia face extra rules through the state’s three-year graduated licensing program.[6]
Class CP license: Also known as a learner’s permit, this license type is for drivers as young as 15 years old. This license allows teens to drive if they’re accompanied by a licensed adult who’s at least 21 years of age.
Class D license: Teens must pass a road test and meet other requirements to get this license, which offers them a little more driving freedom over time. Teens can only drive with immediate family members for the first six months, then up to one unrelated adult older than 21 for the next six months. After one year, drivers can drive with up to three unrelated adults older than 21.
Class C driver’s license: This is the final, “adult” driver’s license for teens who’ve been driving safely under a provisional license for at least one year.
License Type | Hours Teens Are Allowed To Drive | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Learner’s license/permit: 15 years old | No hour restrictions; must always drive with a licensed driver aged 21 or older. | Must pass a written knowledge and vision test and have a licensed driver 21 or older in the front passenger seat. |
| Provisional driver’s license: 16 years old | Between 5 a.m. and 12 a.m. | Must have held a learner’s permit with no major violations for at least one year, and pass a road test and vision test. Must have taken driver’s ed and Alcohol and Drug Awareness Program (ADAP) courses, and have 40 hours of supervised driving (six of them at night). Passenger numbers and types are also restricted at certain times. |
| Full, unrestricted license: 18 years old and higher | No restrictions | Must hold a provisional license for at least one year without any major traffic violations. |
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How to get a REAL ID in Georgia
Since 2012, all Georgia driver’s licenses have come standard with REAL ID. In other words, if you hold a valid license, it’s likely already a REAL ID.
That means if you’re a new driver, or if you’re transferring one from out of state, you’ll automatically get a REAL ID license when you apply for your new Georgia license.
Here are a few things to keep in mind, according to the Georgia DDS:
REAL IDs require a higher level of verification, but they allow you access to sensitive places, like when you board a plane or visit a federal facility.
You’ll need to visit an in-person customer service center the first time you get, or renew, a Georgia REAL ID license.
You’ll need to provide proof of your U.S. Citizenship and your current residential address, along with your Social Security number.
How to transfer your out-of-state license to Georgia
If you’re moving to Georgia from another U.S. state, you have up to 30 days after arriving to transfer your out-of-state license. Here’s how to swap it for a Georgia license:[7]
Check requirements. If you’re older than 18, check that your license is current. If so, you won’t need to take the written knowledge exam or driving test, but you will if it’s expired. If you’re younger than 18, you’ll need to verify you meet all Georgia teen driving rules and requirements.
Submit a License/ID/Permit Form. You’ll need to visit an in-person office to transfer your license, and to do that, you’ll need to complete a License/ID/Permit Form first. It’ll prepare you ahead of time so you know exactly what to bring.
Visit a customer service center. Bring the required documents with you to a customer service center. You’ll need to pass a vision exam, pay a fee, take a photo for your new Georgia license, and surrender your old one.
How to renew or replace your Georgia driver’s license
Your Georgia driver’s license won’t last forever. Here’s what to do if you need to renew or replace it:[8]
When to renew: Georgia driver’s licenses expire after eight years. You can renew yours starting 150 days before it expires.
How to renew your license: You can renew your license online or via mobile app for a $5 discount ($27 versus $32 otherwise), or you can do it in person or by mail. License requirements for seniors (64 and older) also include a vision exam at each renewal.
How to get a replacement: If your license won’t expire for more than 150 days, you can get a replacement online or in person for a $10 fee. If you’re within the 150-day expiration window, you’ll need to go through the full renewal process.
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Car insurance costs for new drivers in Georgia
Georgia requires that all vehicle owners purchase car insurance. Insurance companies also require you to list people who might drive your car, including any new drivers. This can cause your rates to increase, especially if you’re insuring a teen, since insurers consider them to be high-risk drivers.
Teens can either buy their own car insurance, which is typically more expensive, or have their parents add them to their policy for family vehicles. While this makes car insurance more expensive overall, parents can take advantage of discounts like good student, multi-vehicle, or telematics discounts.
Teens who want to buy their own insurance need to have written approval from their parents or guardian.
This table shows the cheapest insurers and their costs for teen drivers in Georgia:
The below rates in Georgia are estimated rates current as of: Wednesday, June 24 at 5:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote: Liability Only | Average Monthly Quote: Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Country Financial | $123 | $220 |
| Auto-Owners | $143 | $255 |
| State Farm | $148 | $263 |
| USAA | $164 | $291 |
| Allstate | $164 | $293 |
| Progressive | $172 | $345 |
| Mile Auto | $181 | $322 |
| Root | $213 | $323 |
| Mercury | $225 | $382 |
| Clearcover | $243 | $446 |
| Bristol West | $252 | $497 |
| GEICO | $259 | $478 |
| GAINSCO | $271 | $555 |
| The General | $290 | $616 |
| Direct Auto | $299 | $517 |
| Trexis One | $310 | $594 |
| Mendota | $324 | $593 |
| First Acceptance | $334 | $657 |
| AssuranceAmerica | $336 | $543 |
| National General | $343 | $544 |
| Trexis | $345 | $653 |
| Safeco | $353 | $471 |
| Nationwide | $357 | $637 |
| Liberty Mutual | $535 | $653 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time Georgia car insurance quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual car insurance quotes in Georgia may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
How to get a driver’s license in Georgia FAQs
If you still have questions about Georgia’s license requirements, check out the additional information below.
How long does it take to get a driver’s license in Georgia?
It can take up to 45 days for the Georgia DDS to mail your new driver’s license. In the meantime, you can print out a temporary license.
How much does it cost to get a Georgia driver’s license?
A full Class C Georgia driver’s license costs $32. Teens getting their instructional permit and provisional license only need to pay $10.
Can you apply for a Georgia driver’s license online?
The first time you apply for a Georgia driver’s license, whether you’re a lifelong resident or moving to the state, you’ll need to visit an in-person location to complete the process. After that, you can often renew your Georgia driver’s license online quickly and easily.
What is needed to get a Georgia driver’s license?
In general, adults 18 and older will need to show proof that they’re U.S. citizens with a current Georgia address and pass a vision test, written exam, and driving test. Teens younger than 18 will need to go through the graduated licensing program.
What can you use as proof of residency at the DMV in GA?
You can use any official piece of written communication as proof of residency, such as mail or account statements you print online. Utility bills, bank statements, employment-reporting forms, vehicle registrations, and more can all be used to establish your physical address.
What does the black star on the Georgia Real ID mean?
A black star on an ID card or driver’s license indicates it’s a REAL ID. Some Georgia ID cards and licenses have a gold star instead, but that’s only due to an internal design change, according to the Georgia DDS.
Sources
- Georgia Department of Driver Services. "New License/ID."
- Georgia Department of Driver Services. "Class C License."
- Georgia Department of Driver Services. "Fees and Terms."
- Georgia Department of Driver Services. "Real ID FAQs."
- Georgia Department of Driver Services. "Joshua's Law Requirements."
- Georgia Department of Driver Services. "Teen Driving Laws FAQs."
- Georgia Department of Driver Services. "Transfer Out-of-State Driver's License/ID."
- Georgia Department of Driver Services. "Renew a License or ID."
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 190 million quotes served to car insurance applicants in Insurify’s proprietary database to calculate the premium averages displayed on this page. These premiums are real quotes that come directly from Insurify’s 500+ partner insurance companies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quote averages represent the median price for a quote across the given coverage level, driver subset, and geographic area.
Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for drivers between 20 and 70 years old with a clean driving record and average or better credit (a credit score of 600 or higher).
Liability-only premium averages correspond to policies with the following coverage limits:
- Bodily injury limits between state-minimum rates and $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
- Property damage limits between $10,000 and $50,000
- No additional coverage
- Comprehensive coverage with a $1,000 deductible
- Collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible
Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Services’ database of auto insurance rates.
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Lindsay VanSomerenInsurance and Personal Finance Writer
8 years in insurance and personal finance writing
Former data scientist for U.S. Geological Survey
Featured in
John LeachLicensed P&C Agent, Chief Copy Editor
Licensed property and casualty insurance agent
10+ years editing experience
NPN: 20461358
Featured in
David MarlettAdvisor